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Aerosols in the upper atmosphere can potentially mitigate the greenhouse effect by scattering or absorbing solar radiation. A reduction in man-made aerosols may have a negative outcome in terms of global warming, but plants could release the same gases.

Researchers from the University of Helsinki discovered that areas of high temperature have an abundance of atmospheric aerosols. They conducted research in mid- to high-latitude regions, from semi-Arctic areas to polluted agricultural centres.

This link between temperature and biologically sourced aerosols, such as those formed from plant emissions of volatile organic compounds, could possibly result in a cooling effect. Gases released in hot places could help in cloud formation, reflecting sunlight away from Earth.